A couple of weeks ago when my in-laws were visiting, they watched our 6 year old so my husband and I could go out for dinner. We had a hard time deciding on what restaurant to try, but finally settled on Taverna. Taverna is a local Greek restaurant. The parking lot was packed when we drove by, so I figured it had to be good, right? Gyros are one of our favorites, we just don’t have very many opportunities to have them. I am going to have to do some research to see if they can be done well at home. The menu had a Gyro Sandwich or a Gyro Platter (as well as many other Greek options) to choose from. The server said the platter had more meat, and came with grilled zucchini and a different potato than the fries the sandwich came with. So 2 platters it was!
First off, the portions were HUGE! Second, it was amazing! The meat was so tender and flavorful. I can’t wait to go back. I didn’t intend this to be a restaurant review, just back story. So anyway, after we both ate way more than we needed to, we got a box to bring home the leftovers. We came home with at least a pound of meat, and a couple containers of sauce. I threw the meat in the freezer so we could have Gyros later in the week. I had been eying Pita’s for awhile, and this was the perfect excuse to try them!
The Pitas were super easy, I was surprised how quickly they came together. They were much softer than the store bought ones. I am sure I will be making these over store bought ones again! This time I used all white flour, but next time I think I will do 1/2 regular, 1/2 whole wheat to see how they turn out. I sauteed the leftover meat, and this made one quick, amazing dinner!
Pitas
Recipe from The Fresh Loaf
3 cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 Tbls Sugar (or honey)
1 packet Active Yeast (or 2 tsp from bulk container)
1 1/4 – 1 1/2 Water, room temperature
2 Tbls Olive Oil
In a large bowl mix flour, salt, sugar and yeast together. Add Oil to 1 1/4 cup water. Add water to flour mixture. Stir until it forms a ball, you might have to add a little more water to make it come together.
Once dough comes together, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. You could probably break out your mixer for this step if you wanted. Place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in size. Punch dough down. Divide into 8 pieces, rolling each into a ball. Cover with a towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. If using a baking stone place on the middle rack.
After dough has rested, roll each ball on a lightly floured surface to form a 1/4 inch thick circle. Bake 2 at a time on the stone for 3 minutes a side. Be careful not to puncture the dough when flipping, or they will not puff up. They will still taste good, just not as airy. Serve immediately.
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My husband is from Syria and we’ve been a slave to a local Middle Eastern grocery that imports from Detroit, at least when it comes to pita bread. I’ve made them myself with moderate success (about 50% “balloon”), but struggle with storage. Thanks for the recipe, it gave some clues about my success rate. Can’t wait to try it!
There is no flavor in the world like fresh bread, be it loaf or flat.
I’ll bet your house smelled awesome!
So awesome!! I love pitas and had no idea they were so easy to make! Do these get pockets in the middle for stuffing purposes?
Yes, kind of. They puff up, and then the inside is hollow. It is quite a bit thinner, so I think it would be a little harder to stuff. We didn’t try though!
Oh yum! I bet these are amazing! I love fresh, fluffy pitas. I never thought of making my own but I’m definitely thinking about it now. Yours look delicious!
I’ve never made pitas myself, this is great!
Both my wife and I love pita with a vengeance, so I’ll definitely bookmark this one!
Oh my goodness homemade pitas really are the best! Yours look so pretty.
Homemade pitas, I am so going to have to try this one! I’m already picturing them stuffed with homemade chicken salad, lettuce, tomatoes, and also turkey, ham, cheese…OK, must make my plans for these this weekend!
We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pitas! My husband will go crazy for these!
I miss great Greek food so much. My previous home of Houston had some amazing Greek food but its pretty much non-existent in Cayman. Your pitas look perfect!
Buzzed!
This is a recipe to be treasured! The pita breads look appetizing. And a wonderful presentation as well! Enjoyed the post thoroughly.
http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com
I wish there was a good Greek place by me. Love how you made these pitas, anything fresh is better. Hope you had a Happy New Years.
-Gina-
I’ve never made pitas before but these look/sound good! Thanks for sharing
Erin, these are great! I love Greek food and am lucky to have a decent place close by
Thanks and take care..
I absolutely love gyros!
When we were in Greece, I swear I had one on every corner!
I fast walked every bit off though
My husband was a marathon runner and could not walk slow and did not believe in public transit of any kind, so we walked realy fast.
Good thing or I would have been 100lbs, heavier every place we went.
If anyone has a New England Pizza Company near them, try theirs.
They are really good, especially if you have no Greek restaurants near you.
Charlie
I tried making pita’s once and it was a major fail. Yours look perfect. It’s given me incentive to try again.
Yeah, the store bought pitas I’ve found are always stale and nasty! I’ve been meaning to make my own for months…and you’ve inspired me to try them soon
Those are so incredibly perfect, Erin!
Your homemade pita looks amazing… There is a little family owned greek place that I eat at every now and then in Seattle and it is awesome! I need to figure out how to make that at home to.
I’ve been wanting to make fresh pita’s too. This has certainly given me more inspiration. Greek food is delicious (and healthy in most cases). Thanks for the recipe!
Your pitas turned out gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this–I’ve never tried to make my own.
I am sure that there is a world of delicious differences in a homemade pita rather than a store bought one. I have been meaning to try-but it is on the long to do list. Yours look delicious.
I didn’t even think a person could make pita at home… yes that’s my baking challenged self talking. I am really impressed with you doing this.
Well done!
Yum! I bet these are ten thousand times better than what you can buy….
These pitas sound yummy! Never thought of making my own, as conquering baking bread products has always frightened me a little. Taverna is not too far from where I live; your recent move must have taken you out west!
It did! We are in Colorado now!
I’ve had pitas on my list of “things to make” ever since we moved here. Those look just as good as any one the ones I buy here in the store!
They look absolutely perfect! I’m a huge fan of pita bread….I guess I have no more excuses!
I love Greek food. I think, at least where I live, it is so hard to find a good Greek restaurant. I saw a recipe the other day for homemade chicken Gyros. This recipe is just what I needed to seal the deal.
Delllllish!! I love pitas, one of my favorite things to use for sandwiches at lunch during the week!
Well, first I am LOVING your new site. What a fantastic gift. Isn’t it wonderful when they give you something with so much thought. Second, Greek food is amazing! What a great date night. I wan’t wait to try and make these pitas at home. YUM!
I love gyros too! And I have always wanted to make my own pita bread. I’m saving this one!
This is on my to-do list tomorrow. Yippee!!!